2026 Byeolbyeol Hwaseong Awards AI CF Contest Launched with 60 Million Won in Total Prize Money

Hwaseong Special City (Mayor Jeong Myeong-geun) announced it will hold the '2026 Byeolbyeol Hwaseong Awards' AI CF Contest.

Applications will be accepted from September 21 to October 18 on the contest's official website. Anyone residing in South Korea can participate regardless of region, gender, age, or nationality.

This year's contest theme is 'Happiness for All, Greater Hwaseong.' The city has expanded the contest categories to three: AI short-form, AI CF, and AI CM song, widening participation opportunities for citizens unfamiliar with video production to engage through music.

Prior to the main submission period, a pre-registration event will run from September 14 to 20. Participants who pre-register on the official website will receive information about categories and specifications, allowing sufficient time to prepare their works.

The city plans to select a total of 21 award-winning works. The total prize money is 60 million won, with the grand prize winner in the AI CF category receiving 10 million won. This represents the highest prize money level among contests hosted by local governments.

Winning works will be showcased not only through external exhibitions but also via Hwaseong City's official YouTube, social media, and smart administrative bulletin boards. The city plans to expand citizen-led promotional activities by utilizing works created by residents as official Hwaseong City promotional content.

Hwaseong Special City pioneered a generative AI-based CF contest among national local governments in 2024 and is hosting an AI contest for the third consecutive year this year.

Additionally, the city will host the AI Expo 'MARS 2026' at Seoul COEX in November. In the administrative sector, it is also pursuing various AI-leading city initiatives including building an AI city data platform, conducting on-device AI fire detection demonstrations, and piloting an AI welfare information service called 'Bokji Spring.'

Director of Public Information Oh Seok-man stated, "AI is no longer just a tool for experts but a means for anyone to express their thoughts and stories," and added, "This year, by adding short-form and CM song categories to the contest, citizens can participate in more diverse ways. We look forward to citizens creatively capturing their vision of 'Happiness for All, Greater Hwaseong.'"